Chris targets league lift

AFC Wimbledon Ladies manager Chris Lyons has called on the squad to reignite their league challenge on Sunday after bowing out of the Women’s FA Cup in gallant fashion.

The Dons take on Actonians Ladies away on Sunday in a contest that pitches together third versus fourth respectively in FA Women’s Premier League South East Division One.

It comes after a proud day for everyone connected with AFC Wimbledon Ladies as the Dons exited the cup with a 4-1 defeat to Brighton in front of 550 supporters.

“We’ve had a superb FA Cup run, and it’s no disgrace to go out to a WSL2 club,” said Chris. “I thought we equipped ourselves well against Brighton, even though the result didn’t go our way. We showed a lot of character to take the game to a team playing two leagues above us, and a side who I think will do extremely well in WSL2 in the coming season. Brighton are a very good side, and for us to match them in the second half was a very impressive performance from the players.

“The positivity and belief within the squad was superb and that changing room was the loudest and most upbeat I’ve ever seen. So if we can match that mood this Sunday against Actonions, they will know they’ve had a real game. But we can’t take anything for granted because they’re fourth in this league, and they’ve kept six clean sheets this season, so we’ll need to be on it to get a result.”

AFC Wimbledon Ladies were 3-0 down at half-time against Brighton, but substitute Hannah Searle reduced the arrears just after the hour and the Gulls were only able to add one more before the end.

Chris Lyons was delighted with his side’s second-half display as they matched their higher level opponents after the break, but he wished Brighton good luck in the next round and in the league.

Dons Ladies are at Actonions Ladies on Sunday (2pm KO at North Greenford FC, UB6 0NX).